The instantly recognizable English cottage garden encapsulates that delightful mix of scented climbers, drifts of flowers inter-mingled with herbs and vegetables, fruit trees and traditional features. Much loved and copied throughout the world, it is uniquely individual. With no strict rules to adhere to, it is a garden style that is both informal and functional, celebrating fragrance, flowers and seasonal interest at its heart. The old cottage style of gardening, that blended planting to create a flowery yet productive plot within a small space, is still highly relevant and easily transferable to today's modern garden, whether it be a city courtyard or a large garden in the country. Appropriate for gardeners of every level of ability, The English Cottage Garden covers all aspects of designing a cottage-style garden; from choosing the right trees, climbers, shrubs and perennials to creating an authentic cottage feel to the planting It also covers the use of colour within the garden; how features can establish a framework and create focal points; and why companion planting is essential to this style. Illustrated throughout with a wealth of photographs showing gardens, planting combinations, colourful border schemes and individual flowers, this book is an essential read for anyone interested in the quintessential cottage garden.
"...if you want to know anything about cottage gardens from what they are to how to make them, it is a truly comprehensive guide." - The Chatty Gardener
"An inspiring book by Andrew Sankey to guide you through all aspects of creating a cottage style garden, from choosing the right plants to design and care" - BBC Countryfile magazine
"In his book The English Cottage Garden, Andrew Sankey sets out to explain its origins, and how to make a start at creating this style of garden today…This book should be extremely useful to anyone starting out in gardening, helping them to achieve a well-rounded knowledge on various aspects of horticulture… for instance, companion planting." - Hardy Plant Society
